Going to drs for anxiety (i think). Feeling extremely anxious about going. Any advice?

[GingerFoxInAT0phat]

Hi, I've name changed (hoping it's worked!)

I've got a Drs appt in about 40 minutes about out what I feel are anxiety symptoms. I feel so stupid going and I'm scared I won't get it out when I'm there and instead do the whole Oh I'm fine!

I've been having a few panic attacks over the last few months but had one yesterday in front of my oldest ds (5) which scared him and prompted me to make the appt.

I think most of the anxiety revolves around been on job seekers. Early on I received a sanction when I missed an appt a the library for a cv check (I rang as soon as I remembered, asked if I could go later that day, rearranged and attended). The stress of those 4 weeks getting by on next to nothing scared me to death.

Now at least twice a day my heart misses a beat, I stand still and come out in an all over cold sweat and have the check my calendar numerous times to reassure myself I haven't missed an appt.

I have near enough constant runs. On a night I suffer cold like symptoms and it feels as though here's something stuck in my throat and I also have trouble sleeping, and staying asleep.

I'm constantly terrified of being 'controlled' by the jobcentre and do all the things specified, but I am also terrified of securing a job, the thought of being new, not knowing what I am doing etc, makes me shake with fear when I think about it.

There's lots of other little things that I won't bore you with, but will the Dr think I am pathetic? I've been to toilet 4 times in an hour through nerves about going to see him.

Has anyone been in this situation, how did it go?
Thank you.

You are absolutely doing the right thing and the GP will have seen similar situations lots of times. They will help you for sure.
I'd imagine anti depressants will be offered and possibly therapy or counselling. Take whatever is offered.
If you want something to help short term with the panic attacks while the anti depressants kick in then beta blockers might be a good choice.
Finally it is not an issue to take an Imodium a day got a while until the diarrhea calm down

Good luck, let us know how you get on. Don't worry about crying or anything, they'll have seen it all before and that's what they are there for.

I haven't been through what you're going through, but didn't want to leave your post unanswered. No good doctor should make you feel stupid. You've got good reason for going, so just explain everything you have here, and I'm sure they'll be able to help. Esp the bit about scaring your 5 yr old. Sometimes I too find it hard to explain how I feel about things, and like you will often just say I'm fine, even when I'm not. Somehow I'd find it easier to explain the effect I'm having on other people, if that makes any sense?!

Hope things get better for you soon

I suffered from panic attacks and found that Paul McKenna's instant confidence hypnosis cd helped a great deal. I listened to it twice a day for three weeks and it helped me be able to leave the house. But absolutely see the Dr and see what they suggest.

Perhaps write down a list of points which you can refer to if you get nervous, or even hand over if you can’t get it out. List your symptoms and your worries.

The Dr will NOT think you are pathetic, not at all. I had to see a few before any treatment was offered, but I eventually had CBT which was brilliant, and medication.

You will feel a bit better even just having made this first step, good luck

Thank you all so much, oh my god I hate feeling like this. I feel like I bore my partner about it, he is so cool, calm and collected that he just doesn't understand how I get to worked up. And I haven't told anyone else.

I will let you know how I get on, and read the replied properly when I am a bit calmer.

Thank you again.

Going to the doctor for my anxiety & going on meds for a year was the best thing I have ever done.

You are doing the right thing & have taken the biggest step of all by addressing your anxiety.

Breathe in for the count of 7 & out for the count of 11 - helps a little to calm one.